GOD’S PRESENCE IN THE DAYS OF OLD

“…the Angel of HIS PRESENCE saved them … He bore them and carried them all the DAYS of OLD” – Isaiah 63:9b

Today, we ponder on GOD’S PRESENCE AS OF OLD: “In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of HIS PRESENCE saved them; in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bore them and carried them all the DAYS of OLD” (Isa.63:9). The Old Testament has many accounts of the great blessings that came to those who had carried God’s presence. These testimonies trigger the trust for His presence in our own lives, to guide our steps, open doors, dismantle obstacles, and lift cares and fears.

God’s presence was so evident in Abraham’s life, that even the heathen around him saw the difference: “Abimelech…spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do” (Gen. 21:22). God’s presence makes the difference!

God promised Joshua that when His presence was with him no enemy could oppose him: “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage…” (Jos.1:5-6a). God’s Presence supplies strength and courage to face life’s challenges in all our ways.

God told Gideon, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valour…Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel...” (Jud.6:12, 14a). “This might” speaks of God’s Presence: “The Lord is with you.” Although Gideon considered himself a coward, God called him “mighty man of valor” to prove what anyone can do who carries His Presence.

God intimated Isaiah with His special promise for those He loves: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God…” (Isa.43:1-2). With God’s presence abiding on you, fires of trials will refine rather than consume you.

King Asa led God’s people to a miraculous victory over a million-man army, and testified that God’s presence had routed the enemy: “Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us…So the Lord smote the Ethiopians…” (2 Chr. 14:11–12). As he led his triumphant army back to Jerusalem, the prophet Azariah met him at the city gate with a message: “Hear me, Asa…The LORD is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. For a long time Israel has been without the true God…but when in their trouble they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found of them” (15:2–4).

This is the secret of contacting and sustaining God’s Presence. When His presence is missing, everything goes hey-wire; disorder takes over; while peace and rest are lost. This need never be so. Anyone can have the abiding presence of God by simply calling out in faith: “He will be found by you” (2Chr.15:2). The Hebrew word for “found” here means “His presence coming forth to enable, to bless.” So, as you reach out to the Lord with your whole heart, He’ll manifest His presence.  

God manifested His presence to Israel in the wilderness in the form a fiery cloud, covering the tabernacle night and day, guiding their every undertaking. They moved, stopped or camped with the cloud. They never had to try to figure out the direction or future, but put all their confidence in that visible cloud of His presence. Today, the Holy Spirit dwells in you, the believer. The cloud of His presence hovers over your secret closet of prayer, waiting to envelope you in His peace. He wants to lead, empower, and give you guidance for home, work, and relationships. Carrying His presence, you can create “closet time” and commune with Him anywhere, shutting out everything else!